One Year

Hi! I'm Wren! Today, I'm one year old!


Can you believe it? A whole year! I've learned how to eat and how to crawl and how to sleep well. It's pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.


I love to wave and say "hello!" Most people seem to enjoy it. I kind of say "here you go" and maybe sorta kinda say "thank you."


I wore a helmet for three and a half months to help my head grow into a rounder shape. It's still not perfect but it's better!


Did you know that I never get full? If you offer me food, I will eat it. No matter how much I've already consumed. Give me more!


I like to sleep. I generally get at least 12 hours of sleep at night, often more. Then a nice nap during the day. And then, when I wake up, I like to just hang out for a bit without making noise. Many times, Mom comes in to wake me up, only to find me already sitting up in my bed.


I really like my brothers... as long as they keep a certain distance. Their silly faces and noises and movements are so funny! But if they try to hug me or pick me up, uh uh. No go. Kisses... kisses are usually okay.


I still like hanging out with my parents more than anything else. Sometimes they get a little tired of holding me but if they try to put me down, I will let them know of my disapproval!


My mom took a bunch of photos for my birthday because I'm crazy cute. Enjoy! Happy birthday me!

The Fourth in Monument

We've been out of Minnesota for nearly a month now. You know what's great? Sean doesn't start work until August! Yes that means no paycheck for the month BUT it is sooooo good to have him around allll the time. So so good.

Shortly after we arrived in Colorado, we left again for a reunion in Utah. But in between was the fourth of July! We're staying at Sean's parents house so we went to Monument's parade. It was surprisingly busy and surprisingly entertaining.


In addition to the typical floats and bands (only one marching band, though, sad face) and small business representatives, there were elephants and horses and llamas. Unfortunately, my view was either giant umbrellas (I thought for sure they would put them down once the parade started but nope) or over several people's heads.


But what mattered is that the kids saw and they did enjoy. Even despite the blazing sun.


Although, this little girl only enjoyed because of the snacks provided by Aunt Rachel (Rachel and Ellie were there too!). Thank goodness because I didn't think to bring a thing.


These guys did not have a good time when they ended up having to push their car through the parade.


The festivities were made complete (besides the fireworks later that night) by a flappy Uncle Sam. Happy birthday, America!

Can't Forget Rust-o-rino!

I forgot about these! It was so fun having Rusty join our family a couple days each week. He was like a bonus little brother for my boys, a favorite friend. I wish these photos were better but the one time all the kids were home at the same time with Sean able to snap a shot, it was raining so we huddled under the roof eaves. But at least we got something!

Goodbye, Minnesota

Moving has gotten the best of my blogging! With packing and driving and everyone getting sick and family reunioning, I've been busy! We're here in Colorado, though we'll move into our rental home in August. We're all super excited for this next chapter. But still, I sure do miss Minnesota. I miss my friends. I miss the familiarity. I miss our little but super convenient town. I miss my church family. I miss the midwestern-ness. I snapped some photos during our last days as Minnesotans.


We rented our house without even seeing it back in 2013. And while it has its quirks, it worked out so wonderfully for us.


The backyard had the most gigantic tree. While it did bring added work when the leaves fell and the mapleseeds descended, it provided the best shade, a place to coast on the tire swing, and the perfect support for our huge hammock. Plus, we'd find all sorts of natural treasures, like this caterpillar snacking on a fallen leaf.


Look at those little feet!


Lots of fun memories playing outside and on the porch. Wren was introduced to bubbles here!


The day before we moved, I made us all take some family photos. As if we didn't have enough to do. The things you do for memories. (Grey cracks me up)


The long, tree-lined streets were so deliciously beautiful in the colorful autumn and snow covered winter.


We moved to Minnesota when Grey was eight months old. Most of his life was as a Minnesotan.


My baby girl Wrenny was born in Minnesota!


Dash and Liam spent most of their memorable lives in Minnesota. They started school in Minnesota. Sean finished his medical training in Minnesota.


I could go on and on about all sorts of little delights that the state has brought us. A true gem of a place to live. Goodbye, Land of 10,000 Lakes, you'll forever have a special place in our hearts.